It was a jubilant moment in Bollywood as Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar commemorated the seventh anniversary of their hit romantic comedy film, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’. The much-celebrated movie, which left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike, turned seven on Sunday. Ayushmann marked the occasion by sharing a poignant video clip from the film on his Instagram handle, reflecting on its success and the cultural conversations it initiated.
In a nostalgic throwback, Bhumi Pednekar too shared a heartfelt image featuring her and Ayushmann. It captures a moment from the film where the characters, Mudit and Sugandha, are seen savoring tea and half-eaten biscuits. With light-hearted humor, Bhumi captioned the post, “Mudit and Sugandha in 2024, 7 years since the biscuit fell”, giving fans a sweet reminder of the movie’s memorable scenes.
Produced by Anand L Rai, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ is a Hindi remake of the Tamil film ‘Kalyana Samayal Saadham’. The film was directed by R.S. Prasanna and addressed the issue of erectile dysfunction, a subject rarely tackled in Indian cinema with such sensitivity and humor. Released on September 1, 2017, the story revolves around a young Delhiite, Mudit (played by Ayushmann Khurrana), and his girlfriend, Sugandha (played by Bhumi Pednekar). The plot thickens when Mudit discovers his erectile dysfunction just before their marriage, leading to a series of comical yet impactful events.
The film received widespread acclaim for its humorous yet profound portrayal of a condition that often carries societal stigma. Both Ayushmann and Bhumi were lauded for their performances, bringing to life a story that intertwined comedy with an essential message about acceptance and support in relationships. At the 63rd Filmfare Awards, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ earned five nominations, including Best Actor for Ayushmann, Best Actress for Bhumi, and Best Supporting Actress for Seema Pahwa. These nominations underscored the film’s significant impact and the powerful performances that fueled its success.
Following its success, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ paved the way for a sequel, ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’, which hit theaters on February 21, 2020.
. The sequel saw Ayushmann Khurrana back in the lead role, although Bhumi Pednekar had only a cameo appearance this time. Unlike its predecessor, the second installment dived into the subject of homosexuality, exploring the struggles and societal challenges faced by a gay couple in India.
Reflecting on ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’s’ legacy, Ayushmann expressed how the film was a significant step in his career, allowing him to portray unconventional characters and address taboo topics through mainstream cinema. In his Instagram post, Ayushmann shared, “This film is close to my heart. It allowed us to open up a dialogue about issues that are rarely spoken about yet impact many lives. The support and love we received from our audiences reaffirmed our belief that cinema can be a powerful medium for change.”
Bhumi Pednekar echoed similar sentiments in her tribute post. She highlighted the film’s role in redefining the types of stories Bollywood can tell and the importance of representing real issues on the big screen. Bhumi mentioned, “Working on ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ was a transformative experience. It taught us the power of sensitivity and humor in storytelling. The anniversary is a beautiful reminder of what we achieved with this film.”
The celebration of ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’s’ seventh anniversary also saw fans revisiting the movie, sharing their favorite scenes and dialogues on social media. The film’s relatability and humor continue to resonate, making it a timeless piece in Ayushmann’s and Bhumi’s filmographies.
In conclusion, as ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ completes seven years, it stands as a testament to innovative filmmaking and the courage to address subjects that challenge societal norms. Both Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar’s reflections emphasize the movie’s enduring legacy and its role in starting meaningful conversations in the realm of Indian cinema. The film remains a beloved classic, reminding us of the transformative power of cinema.
